What is the author's style in Don't Stop the Carnival by Herman Wouk?

The point of view in this novel is that of the omniscient narrator, probably the most common stylistic device in the traditional novel. Other authors, such as James Joyce, have experimented with unusual points of view such as the subconscious interior monologue of Molly Bloom in "Ulysses," or the intersecting streams of consciousness of several characters in William Faulkner's "As I Lay Dying." However, the reader senses that the voice within this narrative that is most directly that of the author is from Norman Paperman—who, like Herman Wouk—is a middle class, middle-aged New York Jewish man. Most of the events that unfold are seen and interpreted through the lens of Norman Paperman's personality, although many of the characters have very strong identities of their own.

In addition, Wouk has a sharp ear for the spoken word. His renderings of Calypso speech patterns are flawless, as are his renderings of Jewish figures of speech. Generally, the language in "Don't Stop the Carnival" is straightforward narrative English, with none of the modern devices often employed by novelists such as flash-forward, flashback of stream of consciousness. When he depicts Calypso speech patterns, Wouk is especially sensitive to provide phonetic spellings so the reader can "hear" and decipher that speech. Because Calypso speech is a patois that reflects the many centuries of dominance under various European overlords, plus a vivid collection of African words and phrases, it is itself an important part of Caribbean culture and Wouk presents it as such. The lilting speech of Caribbean native islanders is colorful, communicative and often befuddling to Continentals, and thus it becomes the focal point for much of the humor that arises in this novel.